When can babies eat butternut squash?
Butternut squash can be offered to babies as soon as they’re ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. It’s important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids. If you’re unsure, be sure to grab my FREE handout!
Healthy benefits
Interesting fact! Butternut squash is technically a fruit because it contains seeds, just like spaghetti squash, pumpkin, avocados, tomatoes. It’s not only delicious and versatile, but it is also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s particularly high in:
Vitamin A – important for eye and bone health and immune function Vitamin C – helps boost immunity and enhances iron absorption Magnesium and potassium – aid in optimal bone health
Just like mangoes, its bright orange color is due to an antioxidant called carotenoids, which gets converted into vitamin A. Carotenoids are fat-soluble compounds, so they are best absorbed with fat. Last but not least, it’s also a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Is butternut squash safe for babies?
As long as it’s offered in an appropriate size and texture, it is safe. Let me show you how! Butternut squash allergy is very rare as well.
Selecting the best squash
Look for one that’s solid, dull dark beige in color, and doesn’t contain any green streaks on the skin. Make sure there are no serious cuts or soft spots. It should feel firm and heavy for its size. I like to pick up several that are similar in size and choose the heaviest one. Make sure the stem is intact.
Cooking Methods
It’s VERY important that the squash is cooked until soft enough to be easily smooshed between thumb and forefinger.
Steamed
Place water in a pot, add steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Add the squash, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to continue steaming. It should be easily pierce-able with a fork.
Roasted
Roasting is the easiest and most flavorful way to cook the squash (or any vegetable for that matter). Soft and caramelized flesh – yes please! This is actually the only cooking method I use to cook our squash.
How to cut for baby led weaning
6+ months old
Pureed – Add cooked squash into a blender and blend until smooth. Add breastmilk/formula, water, or even broth to thin out to desired consistency. Mashed – Whether you are advancing in texture after doing purees or starting with baby led weaning, this is such an easy and versatile way to serve the squash to your baby. Simply mash with the back of a fork and add to:
Homemade baby oatmeal Quinoa Lentils Chia Pudding Overnight oats/quinoa Toast Yogurt Egg veggie pancakes
6-9 MONTHS OLD
Bigger is better and safer at this age so your baby can easily grab the food with their palm and bring to mouth. Cut into thick strips or half-moon shapes. Again, the squash should be easy to smush between your thumb and forefinger.
9+ MONTHS OLD
As your baby develops their pincer grasp and is able to pick up small pieces of food using their thumb and finger, you can cut into small, bite-sized pieces. I still suggest continuing to offer larger pieces so they can practice taking bites. I emphasize this because my son was the ultimate shoveler, and cutting into small pieces only made it worse. With my second baby, I offered her large pieces along with bite-sized pieces, and it’s definitely helped her to slow down and to take bites rather than shovel. If you haven’t already, this is a good time to introduce utensils. Your baby will most likely just play around or toss it. But it’s still great for exposure! Try forking a piece of squash and plate on their plate. Be sure to continue modeling. They are like sponges and learn by watching you!
12+ months old
Continue practicing with those utensils! When serving mash, use the hand-over-hand method to guide your baby’s hand to scoop with a spoon. Same goes for forking a bite-sized piece. Again practice practice practice, with a lot of patience sprinkled in. It’s a skill that takes time to master.
How to Store
For uncooked
Whole squash can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. Once cut, wrap the squash in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge.
For cooked
Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge.
To freeze
You can either flash freeze or puree and freeze in a tray (I LOVE this one) for up to 3 months.
Butternut squash recipes for babies
Its slightly nutty and sweet flavor makes for such a great addition to so many recipes.
Baby meatballs Butternut squash pancakes Sandwiches Butternut squash pasta sauce Butternut squash curry
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